(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Orlando Bloom has joined the cast of upcoming movie The Hobbit.

The actor will reprise his "iconic" role as elf Legolas, who he played in the hugely successful Lord Of The Rings series.

Director Peter Jackson, who cast Orlando for the Tolkien epic in 2001, announced the news on his Facebook page.

"Ten years ago, Orlando Bloom created an iconic character with his portrayal of Legolas. I'm excited to announce today that we'll be revisiting Middle Earth with him once more," he wrote on his profile's wall. "I'm thrilled to be working with Orlando again. Funny thing is, I look older and he doesn't! I guess that's why he makes such a wonderful elf."

Fans will be thrilled to hear that the gorgeous actor is on board for Jackson's latest project, although his character wasn't in the original story written by J. R.R. Tolkien.

Orlando is joining star-studded cast including his Lord of the Rings co-stars Cate Blanchett, Sir Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis and Elijah Wood.

There will also be some new additions to the Middle Earth cast, with Martin Freeman playing hobbit Bilbo, Stephen Fry starring as Master of Laketown and Richard Armitage appearing as dwarf Thorin. (C) Cover Media